Employment Support Workshop

Heads Up! Durham presented a workshop to help those looking to gain employment or return to work following a concussion or traumatic brain injury. 

​Missed the workshop? Listen to the recorded sessions by clicking on the links below. You may also print slides from the workshop if you wish.

1. Printable Tools - Resume and Interview Support

Looking to create a resume and/or need help preparing for a job interview? Our helpful checklists can help you remain organized throughout the process.

2. Workshop Agenda

3. A Survivor's Story

Presenter: Garrett Bell
  • Member, Steering Committee, Heads Up! Durham
  • Co-founder of Heads Up! Durham
  • Formerly Community Outreach Ambassador, McLeish Orlando
On October 16, 2008, Garrett suffered a Catastrophic Brain Injury.

In September 2015, Garrett, his Stepdad, Ted Dionne, and Mom, Linda Lowery, launched Heads Up! Durham.

Garrett, now a resident of Toronto, sits on the Steering Committee of Heads Up! Durham and several sub committees.

Garrett shares the story of his TBI injury, his rehab and his journey to employment in 2014.  Garrett’s story is a story of hope.

4. Employers - The Duty to Accommodate

Presenter: Tom Moutsatsos
  • Employment Lawyer and Partner at Hicks Morley
Tom, who has been practicing for approximately 20 years in this area, is experienced in the full range of employment and labour issues that may arise in the workplace, including issues of disability and human rights.  
Tom frequently speaks at conferences on these areas and is a volunteer on the Boards of Strides Toronto, Toronto’s Lead Agency for Infant, Children and Youth Mental Health since 2015, and Youthdale Mental Health, an agency which provides comprehensive, integrated mental health services to troubled children and their families.
Slides - The Duty to Accommodate Brain Injuries
File Size: 332 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

5. The Hiring Process - Employer's Point of View

Presenter: Holly Britton
  • Acting Director of People Development and Learning, DRPS


6. Resume Hints and Tips

Presenter: Katie McDonald
  • Office Supervisor, Black & McDonald Ltd.
​Holly Britton is the Acting Director of People, Development and Learning with DRPS overseeing the Health and Wellness Unit and Recruiting Unit. She has been instrumental in developing and implementing mental health programs and strategies for the DRPS members focusing on physical and mental well being. She has worked with the DRPS for 9 years and has worked in Human Resources for over 20 years.
Slides - The Hiring Process for Employer's Point of View
File Size: 193 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Katie illustrates how to create a compelling resume, even if you have employment gaps due to a TBI.
Slides - Resume Hints and Tips
File Size: 221 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

7. Interview Hints and Tips

Presenter: Meagan Patterson,
  • Member, Steering Committee, Heads Up! Durham
  • Human Resources Specialist, DRPS
​
Meagan illustrates how to best prepare for an interview, including
  • ​Creating a positive first impression
  • Responding to interview questions
  • Concluding an interview
Slides - Interview Hints and Tips
File Size: 169 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

8. Workshop Flyer

9. Workshop Planning Committee

(Subcommittee of Heads Up! Durham)
 
Garrett Bell:          Formerly Community Outreach Ambassador, McLeish                                      Orlando
                            Co-founder, Heads Up! Durham
Kerry Corbett:       Sports TBI Prevention Advocate
Heather Hoffman:  E.D., Brain Injury Association of Durham Region (BIAD)
Linda Lowery:        Chairperson, Heads Up! Durham; Linda Lowery Consulting
Meagan Patterson: Human Resources Specialist, Durham Regional Police                                      Service (DRPS)
 
Zoom Host:          Heather Hofmann, E.D., BIAD